Red-hot NLEX puts win streak on the line as it collides with well-rested KIA

RED-hot NLEX tries to extend its franchise-best win streak to six as it battles a Kia side that is coming off a 15-day break in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Road Warriors scored their fifth straight win on Sunday at the expense of GlobalPort Batang Pier, while the Carnival are also coming off a win but that was more than two weeks ago against Alaska.

NLEX (5-4) and Kia (4-5) clash at 4:15 p.m.

Though they are on a red-hot streak, NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez noted that Kia is a tough team and a confident bunch as it has earned the reputation of being giant killers with victories over powerhouse squads San Miguel Beer, Purefoods Star, Talk ’N Text and Alaska.

His biggest concern is what to do on the defensive end against KIA’s 7-foot-3 import Peter John Ramos.

The Puerto Rican import is the most dominant player in the tournament with averages of 34.3 points and 21.0 rebounds per contest.

“Ang concern talaga namin is yung post attack nila but we hope we can contain him because ang problema is if we double Ramos, nandun yung mga shooters nila sa labas naghihintay,” he added.

NLEX’s veteran slotman Asi Taulava will have the unenviable task of defending KIA’s Puerto Rican behemoth, and the Road Warriors hope the Fil-Tongan has recovered well after being admitted to a hospital due to chronic migraine and a persistent fever.

KIA lead assistant Chito Victolero, meanwhile, is not concerned with rust after the two-week layoff, which they used to fine-tune their plays.